Enrollment Tops 103,000 Students at Oregon’s Public Universities, an All-Time High

Enrollment tops 103,000 students at Oregon’s public universities, an all-time high

International and out-of-state students fuel growth across the state, bringing global experiences to students

PORTLAND, November 14, 2013 – Record high enrollment of 103,074 students for fall 2013 was announced today by the Oregon University System, reflecting the most diverse entering class ever, including international students from 170 countries. Similar to national trends, the overall enrollment increase was under two percent for the second year in a row, following four years of large increases in the 3-5 percent range during the recession’s peak. In the last ten years, OUS enrollment has increased almost 30% or by 23,500 students, with five-year growth at 19%, and a two-year increase of almost 3%.

“Given the large graduating classes moving through the system – from the very high enrollment years that began in 2008 – and the impact of the recession, these lower increases were expected,” said Dr. Melody Rose, interim chancellor of the OUS. “There are a number of factors and trends reflected in these results, including a post-recession return to work, continued strains on student and family finances particularly in Oregon’s rural areas, and the need for more student access to pre-college preparation programs like GEAR UP and dual credit. I’m optimistic that positive changes addressing affordability, led by the Governor’s and Legislature’s recent investment to freeze tuition next year, will broaden access to all postsecondary institutions across the state.”

A total of 1,681 additional students over last fall’s total entered the OUS institutions, an increase of 1.7 percent. This compares to a 1.1 percent increase last fall. International students showed the highest percent increase in growth at 15 percent above last year’s numbers to almost 8,700 students, with the greatest numbers coming from China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan and India. Nonresident students increased 2.0 percent, with resident students remaining flat. Transfer student enrollment had only a slight increase, reflecting enrollment decreases in community colleges and likely a return to the workforce by some students as the job market has opened up.

“Almost 21,000 students in the Class of 2013 left the OUS with degrees, providing new talent in the state and in industries nationally and globally,” said Bob Kieran, OUS assistant vice chancellor for institutional research. “This was a record number of graduates in the state who came into our universities during the robust enrollment years. Some OUS campuses’ enrollment declines reflect large classes leaving and lower classes entering during times with greater stresses on student attendance, particularly financial circumstances.” Two OUS campuses show enrollment decreases (EOU and SOU), three have flat enrollment (PSU, UO and WOU), and two have increases (OIT and OSU’s two campuses).

Undergraduate enrollment increased 1.8% to 87,031 students in fall 2013, compared to 85,494 students last fall. New resident undergraduates increased 1.4% overall; and newly admitted freshmen (does not include transfers) increased to 11,663 from 11,547 last year.

Graduate student enrollment increased almost 1% to 16,043, a turn from last year’s decrease. Within that number, doctoral enrollment grew 2.5% showing some recovery from earlier years of slight declines; and Master’s enrollment decreased by a half percent, not as dramatic at last year’s decrease of 4.6%.

Student diversity continues to increase, with 24.7% of U.S. students in the OUS reporting their race/ethnicity as other than white, non-Hispanic. Hispanic/Latino students grew 10.7% in fall 2013; African American student enrollment increased by 2.8%; and Asian/Pacific Islander student enrollment was steady. Caucasian student enrollment decreased by 1.4%, and American Indian/ Alaska Native enrollment decreased by 7.9%.

Annual official enrollment for the OUS is marked at fourth week every fall term. Additional enrollment information, including a Fact Sheet, for this year and previous years is available at /factreport/enroll/current-enrollment.

The Oregon University System (OUS) makes college a reality for Oregonians statewide by keeping higher education accessible, affordable and high quality. We integrate Oregon’s public universities with the entire PreK-20 education system to ensure student success. OUS’ higher education offerings meet the needs of Oregon’s economy today and in the future, contributing to the vitality of the state and the success of more than 20,000 graduates a year. For additional information, go to www.ous.edu.